Three Indian states extended lockdown measures past 30 June, the date on which the final phase of the national lockdown will be revoked.
The states of West Bengal and Jharkhand in the east have extended their lockouts until July 31, while the northeastern state of Assam has imposed a total lockdown in the Kamrup metropolitan area until July 12.
On Jharkhand: State Minister Hemant Soren tweeted on Friday that “the struggle is still ongoing.”
“Given the seriousness of the situation, the country’s government has decided to extend the lockdown until July 31. Relaxation in the lockout that has been issued will remain in place,” Soren said.
In Assam: The state announced “total lockout” in the Kamrup metropolitan area, meaning all activities would remain closed regardless of essential services, including public transportation and industrial activity, according to orders issued by the Assam government on Friday.
In West Bengal: All non-essential activities will remain closed. Academic institutions across the country are scheduled to resume classes in July, but West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that schools and colleges in the state will remain closed until July 31 – apart from a number of examinations, which will be conducted while maintaining social distancing .
“Because Covid is increasing across the country, it is our responsibility to help the country as little as we can in reducing cases so let’s try to extend the lockdown for a few more days,” Banerjee said on Wednesday.
National: India issued a national lockdown until June 30 in the detention zone with a high number of cases. No directives have yet been issued on whether restrictions on this zone will be extended.
India has reported more than 548,000 cases of the corona virus, including more than 16,000 deaths, according to the country’s health ministry.
